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Studying Contract Law at the University of Exeter gave me a unique insight into development of contract law. The course provided me with a deeper level of understanding of the content, while still being taught at an appropriate standard for those who did not have a prior understanding of the law. Being able to study with such experienced Professors made learning the content simple, interesting and enjoyable.
Laura, Griffith University, Australia
Contract Law
Contract Law
Which promises are legally binding, and which are not? What happens if you break a promise? In what circumstances can you escape from your promise? These are the fundamental questions of contract law.
Contract law is important because of the extent to which it governs our lives: when we are shopping in the supermarket, or renting a house, or employed at work, or booking a holiday - most of our transactions, whether routine or exceptional, are contractual. This module will provide an introduction to the major principles of English contract law.
The module is divided into two halves. The first half is about making and breaking a contract. Here we look at the ingredients necessary to create a binding contract: offer, acceptance, certainty of terms, intention to be bound, and consideration. We also discuss the terms of the contract, and how to control unfair terms, and what remedies are available for breach of contract. The second half is concerned with the vitiating factors, that is, those circumstances which allow one of the parties to escape their contractual obligations: misrepresentation, mistake, frustration, duress, undue influence, unconscionable bargain, and illegality. We also consider restitution, that is, what happens after a contract is set aside.
Module at a Glance
| Module Title | Contract Law |
| Module Code | ISS1101 |
| Module Convenor | Dr Charlie Anderson |
| Credit Value | 7.5 ECTS |
| Scheduled Teaching | 24 x 2 Hour Sessions |
| Total Module Hours | 150 Hours |
| Guided Independent Study |
Pre-Reading Before Arrival |
| Formative Assessment |
Forensic and Academic Debates and Interrogatories – 3 x 2hr workshops – Oral feedback from lecturer and peers |
| Summative Assessment |
Take Home Assessment – 2250 Words – 100% of credit – written feedback |
| Sample Pre Reading |
Contract Law: McKendrick (London:Palgrave, 12th edn, 2017) |
| Sample Lecture Sessions |
Terms of Contracts |